Investigating the roles of non-coding RNA in meiotic recombination

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Only a tiny fraction of the human genome encodes proteins, but recent studies show that almost the entire genome is transcribed into RNA. This means that many more genes produce RNA than produce proteins, and the key aim of my research is to find functions for these non-protein coding RNAs.
We are particularly interested in the potential roles of non-coding RNAs in coordinating genome rearrangements. Although genomes are often thought of as largely unchanging, they undergo extensive recombination during meiosis, the specialised cell division required for sexual reproduction. These recombination events are vital for successful meiosis and are responsible for most of the mixing of parental traits in children.
We and others have found evidence that non-protein coding RNAs and their associated enzymes can influence DNA recombination. This raises the fascinating possibility that non-coding RNAs can influence genome changes, and therefore that organisms have the ability to control how traits are assorted between progeny during reproduction. Furthermore, studies of meiotic recombination are medically important as cells that undergo too little recombination or recombination in the wrong place end up aneuploid, leading to miscarriages and conditions such as Down Syndrome.
The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the roles of non-coding RNAs in coordinating meiotic recombination. It will particularly focus on the changes in chromosome structure that precede recombination and the importance of these changes to the initiation of recombination.
The realisation that cells produce so much non-coding RNA provides new areas of fundamental biology to explore, and non-coding RNAs are of considerable pharmaceutical interest. This project will provide much sought-after experience in this fast-moving area of biology, which should be very beneficial to the successful candidate's future scientific career.

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